CDC Survey Finds About 71% of U.S. Adults Report Recent Fatigue, With Women and Young Adults Most Affected
A CDC National Center for Health Statistics survey of roughly 27,000 adults shows that more than seven-in-ten experienced fatigue in the past three months, with higher rates among women, younger adults and certain regional and ethnic groups.
A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics found that 71.5% of U.S. adults reported feeling fatigued on multiple days during the preceding three months. The study, which interviewed about 27,000 people aged 18 and older in 2024, identified higher prevalence of frequent fatigue—defined as feeling very tired or exhausted most days or every day—among women (20% versus 13% of men) and younger adults aged 18-34 (19.5%).
Frequent fatigue was reported by 1 in 6 adults overall, with the highest rates observed among American Indian and Alaska Native respondents (25.5%) and the lowest among Asian respondents (9.1%). Regional differences showed slightly higher rates in the South (17.7%) and Midwest (17.5%) compared with the West (15.6%) and Northeast (14.5%).
"Fatigue is one of the most frequently reported health concerns in primary care visits in the U.S.," said Natalie A.E. Young, a sociologist and lead author of the report. She added that individuals experiencing frequent fatigue are more likely to face activity limitations, depression, anxiety and cognitive difficulties.
The CDC analysis did not examine underlying causes or compare the findings with previous years. Cardiologist Alana A. Lewis described the results as “not unexpected,” noting that stress, sleep disturbances and chronic health conditions are common contributors to fatigue. Clinical psychologist Jennifer Caspari linked rising stress levels to hormonal and psychological factors that can exacerbate tiredness.
Health experts recommend addressing basic lifestyle factors—adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and reduced screen time—as a first step. Lewis advises patients to consider the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 checklist, while Caspari suggests incorporating both passive rest and low-intensity activities such as breathing exercises or gentle stretching to mitigate fatigue.